Lamp holder



Jan. 6, 1942. e. A. JOHNSON EITAI? 2,253,703

LAMP HOLDER Fil ed Jan. 23, 1940 INVENTQRS Harry 51562772 and 6' or a A Johnson. 6' ,0 I

\ ATTOR Patented Jan. 6, 1942 LAMP nomma George A.

port, Conn., assignors Company, Bridgeport; Conn.,

Connecticut 7 Johnson and Harry E. Seim, Bridgeto The Bryant Electric a corporation of Application January 23, 1940, Serial No. 315,196

Claims. (01. 173-328) Our invention relates, generally, to lamp holders and. more particularly, tolamp holders for use with electric lamps of the gaseous discharge type constructed in the form of doubleended discharge tubes such, for example, as Fluorescent Lumiline lamps and Sterilamps.

The utilization of electric lamps of the gaseous discharge type oftubular construction having a pair of contact prongs or pins extendingfrom the ends thereof requires the use of suitable sockets or lamp holders for supporting the ends of the lamp and conducting current thereto.

Since it may be desired to mount such lamps in various positions, it is necessary that the lamp holders used therewith function to positively and securely support the lamp in any position and at the same time make it possible to readily'insert and remove the lamp prongs from the sockets without danger of shock and short circuits.

Accordingly, it is the object of our invention, generally stated, to provide a lamp-holder for use with electric lamps of the above-described character, which shall be of simple and reliable construction and which may be readily and economically manufactured and installed.

A more specific object of our invention is to provide a lamp holder for electric discharge lamps having contact prongs at the'ends thereof, in which the lamp may be readily inserted, and from which it maybe readily removed but positively locked therein against unwarranted, accidental or premature disengagement or removal.

A further. object of our invention is to provide a lamp holder for lamps of the abovedescribed character in which the contact terminals thereof are so concealed as to eliminate danger from shock and short circuits during insertion and removal of the lamp.

Another object of our invent'on is to provide a lamp holder for use with electric discharge lamps of the character described wherein the contact terminals or elements cooperate with I suitably shaped slots in the housing to securely hold the contact prongs of the lamp therein and provide proper mechanical support for the lamp regardless of the position in which the lamp is mounted.

A still further object of our invention is to provide a lamp holder of the character described having-a housing for the contact elements-thereof provided with substantially parallel slots to receive the lamp prongs so shaped and positioned that the" lamp, prongs are guided into locking relation with the contact elements by the slots.

become more apparent from the following dctailed description whenconsidered in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is a front view in elevation of a lamp holder embodying the principal features of our Fig. 2 is a back viewin elevation of the lamp holder of Fig. r, with the back cover plate removed to show the shape ,and'arrang'ement of the contact elements and other details of the housing;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation view in section along line III-III of Fig.2; v

Fig. Lisa similar view taken-along line IVIV of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a Fig. 6 is a plan view of the bottom cover plate; Fig-7 is a plan view of the back cover plate; Fig. Bis a plan view partly in section of the contact elements; 1

Fig. 9 is a plan view of the auxiliary holding plate used with one or both of the contact elements;

Figs. 10, 11,12, 13 and 14 are views similar to Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive, of a modified form of our invention;

15 is a back view; in elevation of' another modification with the cover removed;

Fig. 16 is an elevation view partly in section of the'lam p holder of 15 taken along the line Fig. 17 is a back view in elevation of still another modification with the back cover plate,

removed; and

i Fig. 18 is an elevation the holder of Fig. 17 taken along line XVIII- Referring to the drawing, and particularly,

to Figs. 1 to 9 thereof, which illustrateone eme.

bodiment of our invention, it will be observed that thelamp holder 20 comprises, generally, a

hollow or shell-type housing 2l' and a'pair of resilient contact elements 22 and 23 mounted therein as shown in Fig; 2.

The housing 20 maybe of composed of a suitable insulating material and open atthe back and bottom thereof as shown. The housing is provided with a base portion 24 and an integral upstanding body portion 25 hav-' ing a longitudinal rib or boss 26 therein as shown in Fig. 2. I I I I The bottom opening of the housing -may be covered'by. a removable cover platell, shaped as These and other objects of our invention will shown in'Fig. 6, which may besecuredto-the base top 'plan view of the lamp holder of view partly in section'of molded construction e opening in the housing may be closed by means of a back cover plate 29, also removable and of the shape shown in Fig. 7, which may be secured in position by suitable screws or pins (not shown) extending through the openings 33 in the cover plate into the openings 3| formed in the rib 23.

In this instance, the body portion 25 of the housing is provided with a pair of substantially parallel J-shaped or L-shaped slots 32 and 33 in the front face thereof as shown in Fig. 1. These slots are spaced apart approximately the same distance as the lamp prongs and also extend out through the top of the housing as shown in Fig. 5, so that the lamp prongs may be inserted from the top. As will be explained more in detail hereinafter, the final position of the lamp prongs in the' holder is such that they are forced into the end portion of the slots.

The contact elements 22 and 23 in this embodiment of the invention are in the form of 2,268,708 by means of the mounting screw 23. The back this instance, they are secured to the base of the housing by means of transverse slots 33 formed in the sides of the base and the rib 23 as shown.

The lower end of the contact spring is bent over to form a base 4| as shown inFig. 8. This is at right angles to the upright portion of the spring and may be inserted edgewise into the slots 33 as shown in Fig. 2. In the case of the heavy contact spring 23, no additional holding means is required. However, it has been found desirable in the case of the lighter orthinner spring 22, to provide an auxiliary holding member or plate 42 as shown in Fig. 9. This is merely placed on top of the bent-over portion 4| of the spring and both inserted within the slots 39 as shown in Fig. 2.

flat contactsprings as shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4. As will be observed from Fig. 2, the free ends of the contact springs are disposed adjacent the slots 32 and 33 in such position as to be engaged by the lamp prongs when inserted into the slots, In this particular embodiment of the invention, the free end of the contact spring 22 is substantially straight and extends upwardly across the lower end of the slot 32, as shown. The contact finger 23 is of bent construction having a reverse bend as shown at the free end thereof,-

which extends across the lower end of the slot 33 and also across the straight portion thereof.

It will be readily understood that when the lamp prongs are inserted into the slots, the tip 34 of the contact spring 23 will be e aged, thereby forcing the spring to the left, as viewed in the drawing, as the prong is forced downwardly. The contact spring 23 moves to the left until the prong passes the bend 35, at which time the prong is in position to move sidewise into the lower end of the slot 33.

In order to provide for forcing the lamp prongs into the lower ends of the slots, the contact springs are so constructed that they are of unequal stiifness or resiliency, the contact spring 23 being the stronger or stiffer of the two in this instance. With this arrangement and construction of contact springs, the lamp prongs are forced into the ends of the slots and the prong which is in the slot 32 is forced against the contact spring 22. The prong which is in the slot Suitable threaded openings are provided in the base portions 4| and 43 of the contact springs to receive the terminal screws 44. The contact springs are retained in this position by means of the back cover plate 23.

In order to prevent incorrect insertion of the lamp prongs into the socket by sidewise movement instead of from the top downward, the contact element 23 is provided with a flange or shield portion 45 which blocks the slot as shown in Fig. 2'.

In Figs. 10 to 14, there is shown a modification of the invention, the construction of which is generally the same as described hereinbefore.

In this instance, the contact springs 41 and 43 are also of unequal stifi'ness or resiliency, spring 41 being the stiffer of the two, but they are of slightly diiferent shape in order to provide for more securely retaining the lamp prongs within the slots. i

In this embodiment of the invention both of the contact springs have bent end portions, the spring 41 having a portion 49 extending across the end of the slot and a portion 5| extending 33 is securely engaged by the contact spring 23 and is securely but releasably locked within the slot by the bend 35 in the contact finger.

The illustration in Fig. 2 shows the contact springs in their normal position, the spring 22 being biased to the left against the abutment 36 and the spring 23 to the right against the abutment 31. When the lamp prong is forced against the end of the contact spring 22, it is urged to the right where it bends slightly around the abutment 33 on the rib 216 of the housing, the springs 22 and 23 acting against each other and thereby exerting opposite forces on the lamp prongs.

It will be apparent that the unequal strength or stiffness of the contact springs not only insures that good electrical contact will be made with the lamp prongs, but they will also be securely retained'within the slots, regardless of the across the straight portion of the slot, while the spring 43 has a portion 52 extending across the straight portion of the slot in such position as to be engaged by the lamp prong. When the lamp prongs are pushed downwardly into the slots, both of the contact springs are engaged thereby and urged apart in opposite directions. The weaker contact spring 43 exerts a force against the lamp prong tending to push it out of the end of the slot while the stronger contact spring 41 exerts an opposite force tending to push both of the lamp prongs intothe ends of the slots. The spring 41 is first forced outwardly to the left until the lamp prong snaps over the bend 53, which is of such shape as to securely lock the prong within the slot.

Both of the contact springs may be provided with flanged portions 34 and -35, which function to prevent the incorrect insertion of the lamp prongs into the holder from the inside face thereof. g

In this embodiment of the invention, the con tact springs 41 and 43 are mounted within the housing by attaching them to the base portion thereof in the same general way as described hereinbefore. In this instance, however, both of the contact springs are provided with auxiliary holding plates 53 similar to that illustrated-in Fig. 9. It is to be understood, however, that these auxiliary holding plates are not necessary as the baseportion of the springs may be enlarged or strengthened in any suitable manner so as to make it unnecessary to use the auxiliary holding means.

Another modification of the invention is illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16, which is of the same general construction as described hereinbefore except for the shape of the contact springsi'l and58.

' These springs" are mounted within the base portion ofthe housing in the same general way as shown in Fig. 11, and both have bent end portions extending across the slots in the housing. In this instance, however, the stiffer spring 51 does not hook over the contact prong of the lamp as in the other two modifications described hereinbefore. As shown, the bent end portion 59 of the spring 51 is engaged by the prong when it is pushed downwardlyinto the slot and functions to merely push the lamp prongs into the ends of the slots and against the opposing force exerted by the spring 58 without actually mechanically interlocking therewith. The contact springsl and 58 are provided with flange portions SI and 62 disposed opposite the lower ends of the slots to prevent the incorrect insertion .of the lamp from the inside face rather than from the top.

In the modificationof the invention shown in Figs. 1'7 and 18, the housing 83 is provided with a pair of parallel slots 64 and 65 which are formed in the housing in the same general position as the J-slots and are likewise adapted to receive the lamp prongs.

In this instance, the contact springs 66 and 61 are of identical construction and are provided at their free ends with hook members 68 and 69. These hook members have sloping inside faces or tops which are engaged by the lamp prongs so as to force the contact springs apart and thereby effect locking engagement with the contact springs.

The manner in which the contact springs are mounted within the housing is the same as described in connection with the other modifications and the general construction of the housing is also the same.

In view of the foregoing, it will be apparent that we have provided a lamp holder suitable for use with electric discharge lamps of all kinds having contact prongs at-their ends, which is of simple anddurable construction and which is of such design that it may be economically manufactured. Regardless of the extreme simplicity of our device, it not only functions to provide good electrical contact between the supply circuit and the lamp prongs but also to securely support the lamp in any desired position without danger of the lamp becoming accidentally disengaged.

It may be stated in conclusion that while the illustrated examples constitute practical embodiments of our invention, we do not wish to limit ourselves strictly to the exact details herein illustrated, since modifications of the same may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in theappendedclaims.

We claim as our invention:

' 1. A lamp holder for electric lamps having a pair of spaced contact prongs at the ends thereof comprising, a housing having a pair of substantially parallel J-shaped. slots extending downwardly along one side thereof to receive the prongs of the lamp, a pair of elongated resilient contact members of different degrees of stiffness mounted within the housing, said contact members having their lower ends attached to the housing and having their free ends disposed adjacent the slots to be engaged by the lamp prongs when pushed downwardly within the slots and exert opposing forces against said prongs, said contact member having the greater stiffness having its free end portion positionedto engage one of the contact prongs of the lamp to urge the contact prongs of the lamp into engagement with the closed ends of the slots and'releasably retain said prongs therein against the opposing force exerted by the other contact member.

2. A lamp holder for electric lamps having a pair of spaced contact prongs at the ends thereof comprising, a housing formed of insulating material and having a pair of substantially parallel J-shaped slots in the top and one side thereof to receive the contact prongs of the lamp, and a pair of elongated resilient contact elements mounted within the housing, said contact members having their lower ends rigidly attached to the lower part of thehousing and having the free ends thereof disposed tobe engaged by the contact prongs of the lamp when they are pushed downwardly into the slots, at least one of said contact elements having its free end bent to I extend across its associated slot to mechanically interlock with the lamp prong inserted into said slot and exert a sidewise force thereon to releasably retain said prongs against the closed ends of the slots in the housing.

3. A lamp holder for electric lamps having a pair of contact prongs at each end thereof comprising, an insulating housing of hollow construction having J-shaped slots'in one side thereof to receive the lamp prongs, and apair of elongated and relatively slender contact springs mounted within the housing having their free ends disposed adjacent the J-shaped slots, one of said contact springs being of greate? stiffness than the other and having its free 'end bent to extend across its associated slot to be engaged by oneof the contact prongs so as to force the contact prongs of the lamp into the closed ends of the said slots against an opposing force exerted by the other contact spring and releasably retain'said prongs therein.

.4. A lamp holder for electric discharge lamps and the like having a pair of spaced apart contact prongs ateach end thereof comprising, an insulating housing of hollow construction having a pair of J-shaped slots in the inner face thereof to receive the lamp prongs, a pair of elongated resilient contact members mounted within the housing havingtheir free ends disposed adjacent said slots to be engaged by the contact, prongs of the lamp, one of said contact members having a straight end portion and the other -a bent end portion, said bent end portion of the one force the lamp prongs into the ends of the slots.

5. A lamp holder for electric discharge lamps and the like having a pair of spaced apart contact prongs at each end, thereof comprising, an insulating housing of hollow construction havin a pair of J-shaped slots in the inner face thereof to receive the lamp prongs, a pair of elongated contact springs mounted within the housing and having their free ends disposed adjacent thev slots in the housing, one of said contact springs having a straight end portion and being rela tivelyflexible, the otherof said contact springs having a bent end portion and being relatively stifi, said other contact spring functioning to force the contact prongs of the lamp into the ends ofthe J-shaped slots against a biasing force exerted by the said onecontact spring.

6; A lamp holder for electric discharge lamps and the like having a pair of spaced apart conthe insertion of the lamp prongs into the slots causes said contact springs to be forced apart to exert side pressure on the prongs and one of said contact springs being of greater stifiness than the other whereby the lamp prongs are forced atleast one of said contact members hating a flange portion at the free end thereof disposed to prevent incorrect insertion of the lamp prongs into the slots from the inner face of the housing.

9. A lamp holder for electric discharge lamps and the like having a pair of spaced apart contact prongs at each-end thereof comprising, an insulating housing of shell construction open at the back and having a base portion and an upstanding body portion, said body portion having a pair of substantially parallel J-shaped slots formed in the "front side thereof to receive the lamp prongs, a pair of elongated contact springs mounted within the housing and attached to the into'the endsof the .J-shaped slots in the hous- 2 ing. 4

7. A lamp holder for electric discharge lamps and the like having a pair of spaced apart contact prongs at each end thereof comprising, an insulating housing of hollow construction having a pair of substantially parallel slots in the inner face thereof to receive the lamp prongs, a pair of i elongated resilient contact members mounted within the housing having their free ends disposed adjacent the slots to be engaged by the vlamp prongs, at least one of said contact members having at its free end a shield portion positioned opposite the slot as to prevent the lamp prongs from being inserted endwise into the slots from the inner face of the housing.

8. A lamp holder for electric discharge lamps and the lilge having a pair of spaced apart contact prongs at each end thereof comprising, an insulating housing of hollow construction having a pair of substantially parallel slots inthe inner face thereof'to receive the lamp prongs, apair of flat spring contact members mounted within the housing having their upper ends disposed adjacent the slots in suchpositionas to be eninserted into the slots, said contact members being so shaped and positioned as'to cooperate. with said slots in the housing in releasably holding the contact prongs of the lamp therein and gaged by the lamp prongs when said prongs are base portion thereof and having their free ends disposed adjacent said slots to be engaged by the lamp prongs when they are inserted downwardly within the slots, and at least one of said contact ,springs being so shaped at the free end as to hook over the lamp, prong engaging it and force the prongs into the lower part of the J-shaped slots, therebyto releasably,retain said lamp prongs within the holder.

10. A lamp holder for electric discharge lamps and the like having a pair of spaced apart contact prongs at each end thereof comprising, an insulating housing of shell construction-open at the back and having a base portion and an upstanding body portion, said body portion having a pair of substantially parallel -J-shaped slots formed in the front side thereof to receive the lamp prongs, a pair of elongated contact springs mounted within the housing and attached to the base portion thereof and having their free ends disposed adjacent-said slots to be engaged by the lamp prongs. when they are inserted downwardly withinthe slots, said'contact springs being of GEORGE A JOHNSON. HARRY E. SEHL 

